Pine64 introduces the PineTime Pro, an upgraded open source smartwatch featuring an AMOLED display, GPS support, and additional sensors, building on the success of its $27 predecessor.
Pine64, known for its line of affordable open source computing devices, has unveiled the PineTime Pro, an upgraded smartwatch that builds upon the foundation of its popular $27 PineTime. The announcement comes at a time when the company has paused production of several devices due to the ongoing RAM shortage, making the PineTime Pro a welcome addition to their hardware lineup.
The PineTime Pro represents a significant evolution from the original model, which launched nearly seven years ago and has been available for purchase for almost five years. While Pine64 hasn't revealed specific pricing, release dates, or complete technical specifications for the new model, the company has outlined several key improvements that users can expect.
Key Features and Improvements
The most notable upgrade in the PineTime Pro is the transition from the original IPS display to an AMOLED screen. This change promises several benefits, including more vivid colors, deeper blacks, and improved power efficiency when displaying darker content. The AMOLED technology should provide a more visually appealing experience while potentially extending battery life.
GPS support marks another significant addition to the PineTime Pro. This feature will enable standalone navigation capabilities, allowing users to track their location and movement without needing to carry a connected smartphone. For outdoor enthusiasts and fitness tracking applications, this represents a substantial improvement in functionality.
The new smartwatch will also include additional sensors beyond what the original PineTime offered. Most notably, blood oxygen monitoring capability will be added, expanding the health tracking features available to users. This sensor, along with other unspecified additions, should provide more comprehensive health and fitness data.
Navigation on the PineTime Pro will be enhanced through the inclusion of a Digital Crown, similar to what's found on Apple Watch devices, along with an extra button. This physical interface should make it easier to navigate through menus and interact with the watch's features, particularly when the touchscreen might be less convenient to use.
Technical Specifications
While complete specifications haven't been disclosed, Pine64 has confirmed that the PineTime Pro will utilize "a custom chip." This suggests that the company is developing or commissioning a specialized system-on-a-chip for the device, though the specific processor details remain unknown.
For comparison, the original PineTime features a 1.3-inch, 240 x 240 pixel IPS capacitive touchscreen display supporting 65,000 colors. It's powered by a Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 chip with a 64 MHz ARM Cortex-M4 CPU and Bluetooth 5.4 LE support. The device includes 64KB of RAM, 512KB of flash storage, and 4MB of SPI NOR storage, along with an accelerometer, heart rate sensor, vibration motor, and a 170-180 mAh LiPo battery. It carries an IP67 water resistance rating.
The PineTime Pro is expected to maintain or improve upon these specifications while adding the new features mentioned above.
Development and Open Source Philosophy
Pine64 continues its commitment to open source principles with the PineTime Pro. The original PineTime has been popular among developers and open source enthusiasts who appreciate the ability to customize and modify their devices. The new model is likely to maintain this philosophy, providing users with the freedom to run custom software and modify the device's functionality.
This approach aligns with Pine64's broader strategy of creating affordable, open source hardware that appeals to developers, hobbyists, and users who value transparency and customization in their technology.
Market Position and Availability
The original PineTime's $27 price point made it one of the most affordable smartwatches on the market, particularly for an open source device. While Pine64 hasn't announced pricing for the PineTime Pro, it's reasonable to expect that the new model will cost more than its predecessor, though likely still remain competitively priced compared to mainstream smartwatches.
The company's decision to continue developing the PineTime line despite pausing production on other devices suggests confidence in the smartwatch market and the value proposition of their open source approach.
Looking Ahead
As Pine64 prepares for the PineTime Pro's launch, more detailed specifications and pricing information are expected to be revealed in the coming months. The combination of improved display technology, GPS functionality, enhanced sensors, and better navigation controls positions the PineTime Pro as a compelling option for users who prioritize open source software and value customization in their wearable devices.
The smartwatch market continues to evolve, with increasing emphasis on health tracking, standalone functionality, and user experience. Pine64's approach with the PineTime Pro demonstrates how open source hardware can compete by focusing on specific user needs and maintaining the flexibility that closed ecosystems often lack.
For developers and open source enthusiasts, the PineTime Pro represents another opportunity to work with hardware that offers complete transparency and customization possibilities. As more details emerge about the device's capabilities and specifications, the community will likely begin developing software and applications that take advantage of the new features and improvements.
The PineTime Pro's development also reflects Pine64's resilience in navigating supply chain challenges while continuing to innovate and expand their product lineup. As the company works through the current RAM shortage affecting other products, the PineTime Pro shows their commitment to delivering new devices that serve their core audience of developers and open source advocates.
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